blog first published on August 27, 2016
A chasuble is a liturgical garment, similar to a large poncho, that is worn by the presider while celebrating Eucharist. Although it has widespread use throughout the country in the Lutheran, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic and other liturgical traditions, I was surprised to find a lack of its use when I moved to the twin cities area eight years ago. Back in New Jersey, in most Lutheran churches there was a complete set of these garments with colors appropriate to each of the seasons. At St. James, no such closet existed. I resigned myself at the time to 'do as they do in Rome' (or in this case as they do not do in Rome but in MN). To my liturgically minded colleagues I would lament that I left my chasuble back in my homeland.
As I was making preparations for my sabbatical pilgrimage, I discovered that the origin of the chasuble is connected to the concept of pilgrimage and sacred journey. It derived from the common outer traveling garment of the time (again, think poncho). In Latin it is called a 'casula' or 'little tent'. These factoids intrigued me as the connection between this beloved worship garment and the journey that I was about to take emerged. It was at this point that I recalled that when we did the 75th anniversary celebration at St. James we gathered a variety of photos from the past. As I looked at what the pastors wore back then, I saw that chasubles were in fact used in this context for many years. There was a historical precedence for bring the garment back into use.
One of my stated hopes for the sabbatical was to return to St. James in a renewed, reanimated, and changed condition. I anticipated that much of this transformation would be internal - a new perspective and energy. Although it was my heartfelt wish that folks would recognize the 'new' me, I know that it is important to have external symbols and signs. These things help announce to others that something is different. More importantly though, these things would help me to remember the journey especially when I go back in the thick of things. Along with anything else that I would encounter on the journey, before I left I identified two things that would serve as markers of this intentional time going forward: a conversion of my office at St. James to a pastor's study and the use of a chasuble. Regarding the study, I am deeply grateful for all those who were connected to this project. It is a new and vibrant space. Next week I will blog about my beautiful study that was gifted to me upon my return.
Back to the chasuble. The more I thought about using one again the more I felt that it was an important way of connecting with my own past liturgical celebration (and St. James' past too for that matter) and the larger experience of other Eucharist-centric communities in other parts of the country and around the world. Linking the renewed use of a chasuble with my pilgrimage would also provide a connection between our worship and the ongoing journey aspect of being a baptized child of God. We are on a path with God that is remarkably "unsettled" as we engage in mission in a world whose landscape is ever changing. Festive joy (wearing a brightly colored garment helps) is the 'eucharistic' inspired way of traveling. With thanksgiving in our hearts we celebrate during times of happiness and sadness alike. This is the work of all the people... One of the churches I visited had the entire worship team don colorful chasubles. I wonder, might this be something St. James would embrace?
One of the last things that I did on my sabbatical was to sew myself a chasuble. Two things about this. First, I have never sewed a garment before (at this point in my life, the pillow that I made in high school home economics doesn't really count). Second, I had a lot of help from those who are well stitched in the art form. Thanks to the skill and patience of my dear wife Katie, I completed the task at hand. Though it is not going to be entered into any competition at the State Fair, it came out okay.
Tomorrow, as I return to the preaching and presiding role at St. James, I will be wearing a new garment. I look forward to coming home to worship at St. James in a new way. Together we open a new chapter of ministry. It is my prayer that our journey forward will retain aspects of pilgrimage and renewal for each of us and for the larger community.
Permission granted to share with family and friends. Copyrighted 2016. Walt Lichtenberger